Conscious Flimmakers Produce "Christmas In Compton" [Exclusive Interview]

"We do service" is the clear vision that film producers Michael and Beth Hubbard live by in order for their business, Bright Idea Entertainment: The Conscious Filmmaking Company, to bring to the big screen Christmas In Compton.  The family Christmas movie is set to be released in the U.S. November 9, 2012.

Christmas in Compton stars Omar Gooding (TV’s “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”), Keith David (Crash, Platoon, 2013 WB release ”Cloud Atlas” with Tom Hanks and Halle Berry,), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Miguel A. Núñez Jr. (Juwanna Man) and Orlando Brown (Major Payne, TV’s “That’s So Raven”), this comedy will keep the entire family laughing this holiday season.

Recently, I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with the filmmaking team of Michael and Beth Hubbard."By creating our company with the intent of 'conscious filmmaking', we wanted to fulfill the concept and premise that you go in and leave the community better than when you got there.  We created 20 internships with local residents for all departments across the board. We used local extras. We did’nt want to come in and just use exteriors.  We wanted to do something good and conscious" explains Beth Hubbard.

This was a family affair and a labor of love for the husband and wife community conscious duo.  Michael Hubbard's brother, David Raynr, is the director and a partner in the company. Having collaborated together on several projects over the years, the trio decided to combine their efforts and create a company founded on the principles of integrity, abundance, creativity and fun. The Hubbard's two teenage sons perform as actors in the film.

Michael Hubbard described the experience as "Working with my family provided holistic fun and I believe it gave the film a positive warm feel to it.  It was a win win production process with people from the community flourishing. We even kept the peace with visits from gang members." 

The film does present a warm family feel and is destined to become an urban Christmas classic. 

Synopsis:  BIG EARL, the owner of a Christmas tree lot in Compton, and a man with a big heart and a big vision, demands success from everyone around him. All kinds of trouble erupts the week before Christmas when his son, DERRICK, part-time music producer and part-time Christmas tree lot employee, crosses the line to prove to Big Earl that he is a success. The colorful characters that populate the tree lot cause additional complications for Derrick as he tries to solve his problems secretly. Things spiral out of Derrick’s control, jeopardizing the survival of the lot, and more importantly, his relationship with his father. What Derrick needs is a miracle; a Christmas miracle in Compton.

 Christmas miracles can happen anywhere! Christmas in Compton brings big laughs and holiday cheer for the whole family when it opens in theaters on November 9, 2012.  Check out the trailer:

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Blair Underwood: Breaks Down Raw Male Emotion For 'Woman Thou Art Loosed! On The Seventh Day'

Blair Underwood stars in the the dramatic thriller Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The 7th Day which was released on DVD September 4th.  The film is directed by award-winning filmmaker Neema Barnette, produced and distributed by Codeblack Enterprises and executive produced by T.D. Jakes for T.D.J Enterprises.  Surpassing industry expectations, opening weekend, April 13, 2012, the film earned $6,376 per screen, beating “The Hunger Games” on average, and finished as the #1 independent feature its opening weekend.

Today I had the opportunity to do a phone interview with Actor, Director, Producer, Author and Fashion Line Representative - Blair Underwood.

The focus of the interview was on his experience during the filming of the dramatic thriller, Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The 7th Day.  Underwood explained to me that "New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in the world.  New Orleans, especially the French Quarter, is like a country unto itself. We shot the film in July of 2011. At this stage of my career, it is important that I do what I enjoy doing.  Co-starring with a phenomenal actress, such as Sharon Lela, was also a joy. I had an incredible time."

"Working with Director, Neema Barnett, she allowed me to direct. As an African American director woman it is a challenge out here.  She reached out to me to be a part of the project and helped me to get into the Director’s Guild by giving me the opportunity to direct some of the scenes." Underwood said.

I asked Blair Underwood how he prepared for a very powerful emotional scene.  He shared "One of the things I appreciate about Neema as a Director is that she says, 'I’m going to protect you guys'.  We didn't have the resources that you would have on a big budget film.  With her as a director you have to rely on her vision that this film would come out with quality.  The story is a very real situation and the fact that young black children are being kidnapped is a very real situation right now. Society looks to men to be strong, that everyone relies on.  There comes a time in life where you may breakdown. We thought it was important to see this man in his own confines, deal with his own emotions. He was in a situation where he could not fix everything.  That’s a very raw emotion.  I think it's important to not see him so cool and calm or just quietly simmering.  We don't have all the answers and that can lead to stress.

When asked how he personally coped with stress, Underwood proclaimed "My wife and I will be celebrating our 18^th year anniversary.  We often say to our kids, stop and breathe – take a slow deep breath.  What happens is your whole body calms down and you can think more clearly about what your doing.  The bigger issue is to go to your faith.  What works for me, is to know that all of this is preordained. Our job is to learn the lesson. I am a Christian, I believe God has a plan. I believe he is not going to leave us hanging.  If I did not have faith as a tool, as a man, in our society... I don't have all the answers.   Being able to turn it over to a higher power work for me.

On September 18th, the multi-talented Blair Underwood releases his latest book South by Southeast.  The fourth installment in this award-winning mystery series draws actor-turned-super-sleuth Tennyson Hardwick into his most challenging case, compelling him to face the unthinkable: save his daughter or the woman he loves.

Additional projects for Blair Underwood include a Development/Talent Holding Deal with Universal TV and his own fashion line, BU Collection for K & G Fashion

"Part of keeping your stress level down, in this business, is not having all your eggs in one basket." - Blair Underwood.

Be sure to get your DVD copy of "Woman Thou Art Loosed: 7th Day" - Check out the movie trailer:

Cast:  Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day stars Golden Globe® Nominee Blair Underwood (Madea’s Family Reunion, Set It Off) and Sharon Leal (Why Did I Get Married Too?, This Christmas).  Also starring Nicole Beharie (American Violet), Nicoye Banks (NBC’s “Law & Order”), Emmy Award® Nominee Pam Grier (2012, The Man with the Iron Fists, Just Wright), Reed R. McCants (Civil Brand) and Jaqueline Fleming (2012, Contraband;  HBO’s “Tremé”).

Synopsis: This dramatic thriller is about a husband (Underwood) and wife (Leal) who find themselves in the midst of a crisis after their young daughter is kidnapped. The couple must race against time to find their child, who is believed to have been abducted by a serial killer that symbolically murders his victims ‘On the 7th Day.’ During their desperate search, a series of deep, dark, damaging secrets unveil a troubling past, putting the marriage and their futures in jeopardy.

o Official Film Facebook:                   facebook.com/WomanThouArtLoosed7thDay

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Hip-Hop's Fight Against Cancer

Chuck Nice, Cat Greenleaf, Kangol Kid, Stacy London

“Made In Brooklyn”
4th Annual American Cancer Society Pink & Black Tie Gala
Brooklyn, NY – What’s Pink and Black, and returned to Brooklyn on May 17th. It’s the Pink & Black Tie Gala of course! The 4th Annual gala returned to Stage 6 Steiner Studios; where gorgeous views from the rooftop terrace set the mood for the fabulous “Pink and Black” night. The American Cancer Society honors outstanding leaders who have contributed to Brooklyn’s health care, cultural, and business communities. It was a night to celebrate those “Made in Brooklyn” and raise funds for the Society’s patient services and programs as well as national life-saving research.

The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than three million volunteers, they fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. They save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.

Robin and Bow Legged Low from Full Force

This fashionable night was graced with its returning host and Brooklyn native, Stacy London. The evening started upon entrance as guests walked the pink carpet and greeted by the lovely, Cat Greenleaf; to find their way to the fabulous rooftop cocktail party with an auction of once-in-a-lifetime travel deals and glamorous fashion, conducted by comedian, Chuck Nice; who looked dapper in his black suit. The evening then flowed to a delicious dinner, award ceremony, then culminating with an amazing dance party with music by DJ Diamond and special performances by Hip Hop Royalty, Full Force and Sugar Hill Gang. It was a night of charity and fun.

I had the opportunity to interview Brooklyn native Kangol Kid, Hip Hop Legend and Founder of the Mama Luke Foundation is recognized for his efforts to bring Hip-Hop artists such as Will Smith, L.L. Cool J, Mark Wahlberg, Kid Rock, Ice T and Flava Flav together through the Mama Luke Movement as Hip-Hop’s first public financial contribution towards the fight against breast cancer. 

Check out the following video interview of Kangol Kid on this episode of

"What's Up With Downes?"

Robin and Mom

There is not one person who can’t say that they have not been touched in some way by the silent killer known as cancer.  It challenges its victim to a grueling battle that cannot be won unless awareness becomes a top priority and finding a cure is the American Cancer Society’s #1 mission.  My Mom lost her battle to Breast Cancer in 1998 at the age of 60 years old.


All proceeds from the event go to support the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and local patient service programs. For more information or to join in the fight, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345.

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Chuck Nice, Cat Greenleaf, Kangol Kid, Stacy London

NV Awards 2011 Highlights [VIDEO]

Pictured above at NV Awards 2011: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Williams (Associate Producer "What's Up With Downes?"), 

Daymond John (NV Awards Host / CEO of FUBU, President of Shark Branding)

Robin Downes (Producer / Host "What's Up With Downes?", Founder of Yoga Flava)

Check out this episode of "What's Up With Downes?" for my video highlights of the Salute To Urban Professionals, the 2011 NV Awards:

On Saturday, October 29th the illustrious Alvin Ailey Dance Theater was buzzing with sweet sounds of honor and music. An amazing audience came together to honor a select few shining stars in business.

About NV Magazine:
New Vision in business is designed to embody the thoughts, vision and intellect of today's urban professional and create pathways of success for the people that strive to be like them. For the past twelve years, NV Magazine has celebrated urban professionals who have made outstanding contributions worldwide. Once a year, a special evening and an issue of NV Magazine is dedicated to inspire an audience mixed with celebrities and business luminaries who demonstrate the epitome of hard work.

Related Article: Video: Entrepreneurial Spirit - Daymond John of Fubu / Shark Tank (NV Awards 2010)

The NV Awards 2011 was a night of great prestige in the urban professional
community; the black tie affair brought together professionals and entrepreneurs from all areas in
business, entertainment and the arts. Host Daymond John (ABC's Shark Tank), and Kemberly
Richardson (ABC's Eyewitness News) were the perfect team with their witty banter and
influential stories to present the honorees with their awards in the intimate setting of the theater.
The ceremony opened with the poised Alvin Ailey dancers and closed with the angelic voice of
the young Pop/Opera singer, Charisse Mills. Guests were in great spirits despite the early winter
weather, they sipped creative cocktails from sponsor, Grey Goose, enjoyed delicious hord'ourves
from a private caterer and desserts by Tonnie's minis. Post reception is where the fun began and
everyone let loose on the dance floor to the tunes of DJ Jon Quick. Overall, the night was one
filled of inspiration and surely one that will be unforgettable to those who attended.

Related Article:  A.C.T. in ACTION (NV Awards segment 2009)



Congratulations to the 2011 NV Awardees: Technology Awardee - Michael Robinson, Microsoft: Fashion Awardee - Penelope Guerrero Perez, Timberland; Diversity Awardee - Debra Nelson, MGM Resorts (Read about it in MGM Resorts momentum): Sports Awardee - Jarvis Green, Former NFL Player, First Millennium Construction; Woman in Business Awardee - Lisa Pickrum, RLJ Companies; Corporate Awardee - Frank Cooper III, Pepsi; and Community/Civic Awardee - Tamika Mallory, The National Action Network. Thank you for sharing your vision with the world.


www.nvmagazine.com

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Set November Goals For A Prosperous Year End.

Some people wait until the new year to set new goals.  When we should be monitoring our goals on a monthly, weekly, daily and even hourly basis.

Do You Know Where Your Going and Why?

With the holiday season upon us.  It is time to get serious about our year end plans with a jump start on your 2012 game plan.

Why Do You Want Prosperity?

1.  Time to set your budget for holiday gifts and trips.

2. Prosperity is not just money.  Plan for prosperity in health, relationships and time management.

How Will You Achieve Your Financial Goals:

1.  Secure A seasonal temporary extra job for an additional revenue stream.

2.  Start a new home based business.  Holiday gatherings are a great time to nurture your relationships, casually introduce your new business and products.

What are your tips and goals for November?  Please share your comments below.

Related Article:

Prosperity Consciousness During Financial Fear

Comedian T.K. Kirland Puts The Game Into Perspective [VIDEO]

I had the opportunity to catch up with Comedian, T. K. Kirkland, who always keeps it movin - - -

He was performing in NYC for a Comedy Night at the 420 Lounge on the upper west side.

T.K.'s comedy style reflects male and female relationships with humor as he says he "Put's the game in perspective". 

Check out this episode of "What's Up with Downes" for a little taste of his comedy style as I visit with him before, during and after his performance:

 

Stay up to date on "What's Up With Downes?" - Subscribe to the Youtube.com/RobinDownesNetwork

Facebook.com/RobinDownesProductions - Join the page

Dermatologist Dr. Susan Evans Is A "Lifechanger"!

Dermatologist Dr. Susan Evans Is A "Lifechanger"!

I am totally in love with Dr. Susan Evans and her line of products.  I learned about her about a year ago and have been hooked on her products and guidance ever since.  Now you can benefit from her guidance on Dr. Drew's New TV Show "LifeChangers".

Dr. Susan Evans is the Director of Dermatology at Cosmetic Physicians of Beverly Hills. This Lifechanger is known as the skin care doctor to the stars and has been featured in Harpers Bazaar, People and Star. Dr. Evans specializes not only in Cosmetic Dermatology, but acne, psoriasis and eczema. She's the President of the Skin Disease and Research Foundation and the creator of an innovative skin-care line that treats aging skin and acne.  (Read More)

Be sure to check out: http://www.drevans.com/

P.R. Spin From Mama Lynn:  Lynn Allen Jeter and Associates

http://www.LynnAllenJeter.com
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http://www.myspace.com/lynnallenjeter
http://www.twitter.com/lajass